2008 Speakers

One of the highlights of the week is hearing and getting to know our featured speaker. With the ranch capacity at 55 guests, the setting for the morning study and evening firesides are very informal and cozy. The speaker and his family hike the mountains, play golf, ride horses, fish for trout, laugh along with everyone, participate in the events and roast marshmallows with all the guests. We have been blessed to have nationally known authors, speakers, evangelists, and pastors who love this type of setting. Listed below is the line up for the summer. Please call if you have any questions. Believe me, if they are coming to speak they are the best of the best. Each have their own style, but all of them are fabulous.

June 1  7

The Peasall Family

Mike Peasall is a pastor at a church in Whitehouse, TN (just north of Nashville). This is a very talented family. The oldest 3 girls played George Clooney's daughters in "Oh Brother Where Art Thou." They won grammy's for their beautiful bluegrass music. They continue to travel as a family with Mom and Dad and the 6 kids and use their musical talents to show Christ to others.

Mike will be bringing a message daily during the bible studies and the family will be blessing us with their music.

June 8  14

Dave Cook

Dave will be speaking at two family weeks.

Dr. David Cook is a peak performance coach, consultant, and speaker in both the sport and business arenas. His clients have included the two time World Champion San Antonio Spurs (1996  2004), the Washington Wizards of the NBA (2004  2005), over 100 PGA Tour Players, Olympians, and several Collegiate National Championship teams. His passion in life, however, is to inspire the hearts of men and women towards eternity. In his words, God has given me a great platform from which to share the Gospel. Success has never filled a single man's soul. It is my calling and privilege to share why, and to lead people to an adventure with Christ. Outside of business David heads up Iron Sharpens Iron Ministries and is a frequent speaker for Man in the Mirror Ministries as well as Christian men's events around the country.

He has led family camp, marriage retreats, and men's retreats at Wind River Ranch over the past several seasons. David has been married to Karen for the past 23 years and has two daughters, Lexie and Hannah. They live in the Hill Country of Texas and Colorado Springs, CO.

After an early foray into the world of country music, Kirk spent 12 years in the publishing industry ultimately starting his own consulting firm. However, his passion for the local church and loving people for Jesus's sake led him to start CrossBridge Community Church in San Antonio in 2003. The church's core group of 27 people grew to 800 in less than four years as they reached out to the community. A 3rd year speaker, Kirk will bless you with stories and music. He and his wife, Debbie and their three daughters are eager to return to the ranch for more good times this summer. This is their 3rd year as the speaker and you will be blessed to spend time with the Freeman's. For more information, go to www.CrossBridgeCommunityChurch.com.

June 22 28

NFL Week

This week is for PAO (Professional Athletes Outreach) members and past and present NFL players. We are thrilled to have them back again this year.

June 29  July 5

Danny Wuerffel

and

Steve Stenstrom

Danny Wuerffel was born May 27, 1974 in Pensacola, Florida. He grew up as the son of an Air  force Chaplin, living all over the country as well as three years in Spain. Danny graduated as valedictorian of Fort Walton Beach High School in Florida, where he led his football team to the state championship. For higher education, he chose the University of Florida. While at the University of Florida, Danny led the Gators to four SEC championships and a National title. He won the 1996 Heisman trophy, the Draddy award (the Nation's top student  athlete), and set 17 NCAA and University of Florida records. He graduated with High Honors and earned his bachelor's degree in Public Relations. The New Orleans Saints drafted Danny in 1997. After three years with the Saints, Danny played with the NFL's European league, winning the World Bowl Championship and being selected the league's MVP by the European media. Danny played one season with each of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins. In February 2004, Danny retired from professional football to work in New Orleans with Desire Street Ministries, a faith  based, non  profit organization in one of America 's toughest and poorest neighborhoods. Danny is a popular speaker, sharing how his experiences playing football have helped shape his life, and has written one book, Danny Wuerffel's Tales from the Gator Swamp : Reflections of Faith and Football. His wife, Jessica, is his best friend. They have two young boys.

Steve and his wife, Lori reside in Menlo Park, California, with their four young children. Following a six  year career as a quarterback in the National Football League, they realized the Lord was leading them back to the area where they first met as undergraduates at Stanford University. Together, they co  founded Kingdom First Ministries through which they seek to reach the Stanford campus and surrounding community with the life  changing power of the Gospel. By combining his deep love for the truth of God's Word with his experiences as a quarterback, Steve brings a unique way of discovering life as it was meant to be lived. Steve spent much of his life learning from coaches like Bill Walsh, Dennis Green, and Steve Mariucci. As Steve says, The 10 years I spent as a student of the West Coast Offense continue to teach me foundational lessons for life. As Steve shares about his football playbook experiences, you'll find yourself inspired to get to know the Bible: The True Playbook For Life.You'll want to be there as Steve shares those experiences and other personal anecdotes in a way that is sure to drive each person closer to God. Having started out as guests at Wind River, Steve and his family are looking forward to coming back for their 4th summer to help others experience the same refreshing, reflective week they first enjoyed as guests and now enjoy as speakers.

July 6  12

Bill Brewer

Bill is the senior pastor of Richland Bible fellowship in Richardson, Texas, where he has served since 1979. Bill has a passion for the Word of God which he communicates with clarity, warmth, and sincerity. He speaks at many retreats and seminaries as well as pastoring his local church. Bill is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and has co  authored the book, The Workaholic and His Family. The Brewers have been married for 20 years and have 2 adult children. He will inspire you with his deep, spiritual insights and his quick wit. He also promises to let you beat him playing golf. His son does. This will be the Brewers 10th summer at Wind River.

July 13  19

Chris Stull

This will be Chris Stull's third year coming as a speaker to Wind River Ranch. We did not even hesitate in asking Chris and his family to return for 2007 and 2008. The whole family screamed with joy when we asked them to return. He is the associate pastor at McKinney Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas. Chris is a gifted speaker, awesome athlete, great dad and a God seeking man. The Stull's are a wonderful family and you will be blessed to get to know his wife, Brenna, and all 5 of their kids throughout the week. They moved from a church in Arizona to their new ministry spot in McKinney, Texas just over 3 years ago. The lead pastor who works with Chris is Jeff Warren. He is the speaker for week 8 for Wind River Ranch. Book now and come rest, relax, and renew at Wind River Ranch and get to know this great family.

July 20  26

Jeff Warren

Jeff is the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of McKinney Buy Cialis, Texas. He is a graduate of East Carolina University and SW Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeff received his doctorate in Ministry in 1997. Jeff does it all. He sings, plays the guitar, and is a powerful speaker used mightily by God. Jeff is back by popular demand  his week is consistantly filled year after yea! A wrangler on our staff admits that other than his own father, Jeff has had the greatest impact of any individual on his life. This will be Jeff's 11th year at Wind River Ranch. You will love his wonderful wife, Stacy, and their three children, Whitney, Emily, and Travis. (see the speaker section for quotes from Jeff Warren)

July 27  Aug 2

Bryan Doyle

This will be Bryan's First year as a speaker at Wind River Ranch. We are truly thrilled to have Team Doyle coming to the ranch. He is truly gifted and his gifts will be used to share God's message to all of the guests and staff. If needed, I can translate his British accent into cowboy lingo!

Bryan serves on the Executive Pastoral Team at FBC McKinney Texas. He leads the churches passion to be a movement with the world on its heart. FBC McKinney has developed numerous initiatives amongst the most needy in its' community and across the globe.

Bryan has served and led churches on three continents. He served in Johannesburg, South Africa for ten years - then for nine years he captained the Stopsley Baptist Church, England.

He's gained qualifications from The Baptist Theological College of South Africa and in his early ministry years, The Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He's led or participated in over 50 mission initiatives to over 35 countries around the world.

He's a gifted and sought after speaker and commentator - he's served as a voice in the emerging church conversation in Western Europe.

Born in Manchester in the north west of England, he is married to Tracy (a South African) and they have three children, Shannon, Kayleigh Grace and Calvin-David.

Bryan has a great love for life, the kingdom, the needy poor and his beloved English soccer team, Manchester United!

Aug 3  9

Dave Cook

Dr. David Cook is a peak performance coach, consultant, and speaker in both the sport and business arenas. His clients have included the two time World Champion San Antonio Spurs (1996  2004), the Washington Wizards of the NBA (2004  2005), over 100 PGA Tour Players, Olympians, and several Collegiate National Championship teams. His passion in life, however, is to inspire the hearts of men and women towards eternity. In his words, God has given me a great platform from which to share the Gospel. Success has never filled a single man's soul. It is my calling and privilege to share why, and to lead people to an adventure with Christ. Outside of business David heads up Iron Sharpens Iron Ministries and is a frequent speaker for Man in the Mirror Ministries as well as Christian men's events around the country. He has led family camp, marriage retreats, and men's retreats at Wind River Ranch over the past several seasons. David has been married to Karen for the past 23 years and has two daughters, Lexie (14) and Hannah (10). They live in the Hill Country of Texas. For more information about David go to: ministry: Please contact Dave and order his new book. It will change your life if you let it.www.ironsharpensiron.com and business: www.davidcookconsulting.com

Aug 10  16

Eddie and Rene' Taubensee

Eddie Taubensee had an 11 year Major League Baseball career catching for the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Indians. Eddie had career highs in 1999 hitting .311, with 21 home runs and 87 RBIs. He has travelled the world sharing the gospel in Thailand, South Africa, Japan, Dominican Republic, Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia and Germany. Eddie and His wife René are the Pro athletes Outreach, Ambassadors to Major League Baseball and are the Directors of the annual BaseballConference.Eddie is also the Director of Evangelism and Men's Ministry at Harvest Church of West Orlando and can be heard occasionally on the Church's podcast at www.harvestfl.org.Eddie also enjoys being a little league coach and full time father to his 3 boys.

René Taubensee is a former Television reporter and columnist from Alberta, Canada. She has been married to Eddie since 1993 and they have 3 boys; Justin, Benjamin, and Matthew. She has been involved in a number of Charity /var/www/vhosts/windriverranch.com/httpdocs/ including the reopening of an Inner City recreation center in Cincinnati and two years as President of Women in the Major Leagues. René is a featured Actor at Harvest Church. She also spends time during the week mentoring and discipling women and teaches Art History at their children's school. René and Eddie have been PAO Board members since 1997.

Aug 17  23

Bucky and Matilda Hunsicker

Bucky is the pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Stuart, VA. Bucky and Matilda have 3 grown children. This is their 2nd year speaking at the ranch and they are back by popular demand.

Aug. 24  30

Dan Bolin

Dan is the new International Director of Christian Camping and Conference Association. He has been involved in Christian camping ministry for a long time. He is a gifted author and speaker and you and your family will be blessed by your time spent listening to Dan. We have had Dan as a speaker for a number of years and we are grateful to have him return.

Sept. 3  7

Jeff & Sherri Hutcheon

Couple's Getaway

Jeff Hutcheon took up his post as Director of Community Ministry in 2005. His college days at Northwest Missouri State University were spent playing basketball for the Bearcats. He was President of the campus FCA and traveled with Athletes in Action on a touring basketball team. Jeff graduated with a degree in radio and television, then went to work for Fox Sports, the Houston Rockets, and finally served as VP of Marketing, Research and Development for Administaff. Jeff now serves on staff with FCA in Colorado. Jeff, his wife, Sherri and daughter, Lindsey live in Castle Rock. They attend Southeast Christian Church in Parker. Jeff can often be found working at one of his favorite hobbies, golf.

Come enjoy a time to rest, relax and renew. It is very laid back conference with a morning study and short evening session. Rest assured that there is plenty of down time to ride horses, to hike the mountains, to enjoy a shopping trip in Estes Park and to swing in one of our hammocks while listening to the elk bugling in the distance.

Sept. 12  14

National Park's "WesternHeritage Conference"

The NPS is sponsoring a "Western Heritage" weekend at Wind River Ranch. Each attendee will get to hear from local historians, listen to guest speakers, ride horses, enjoy incredible quisine prepared by the ranch's chef, enjoy a wrangler breakfast meal, and soak in the fall colors while listening to the elk bugle in the distance. Wind River Ranch is a gourgeous spot in the Tahosa Valley to soak in all that this area has to offer.

Sept. 18  21

Melissa Shaver

"Captured...An Experience of a Lifetime"

Women's Retreat

Through her own life experience, Melissa Shaver knows the importance of growing in the Lord through the personal study of His Word. Through her writing and speaking she has had the privilege to see others develop a new appreciation for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Her purpose is to bring communities together with one goal - to fully experience and richly know God.

Before focusing on Walking in Grace Ministries, Melissa worked in corporate America specializing in marketing and communications. Because of this, she has a unique ability to bring audiences together as a community yet speak to them individually in relation to where they are today. Her desire is to create an environment with focus and purpose so that women can realize their incredible significance in God and begin to live out the purpose He has for each one of them.

She is currently attending Dallas Theological Seminary. She lives in McKinney, Texas with her husband of 15 years and 3 beautiful children.

The cost is $600 per person and this includes meals, lodging, activities and conference expenses. To learn more please access the following link: www.walkingrace.org. (Video coming soon. )